Kyrie Irving is going to New Orleans with a healthy appetite.
“I’m going hungry, man,” he said.
The Cavaliers point guard will have a busy weekend in Louisiana. He’s defending his 2013 title in the Three Point Shootout on Saturday at the Smoothie King Center (formerly New Orleans Arena).
On Sunday, he will be a starting guard for the Eastern Conference in the All-Star Game.
“I’m the reigning champ (in the long-distance shootout),” Irving said. “I’ve practiced about five times at shootaround. I felt pretty good. I’ll probably find a gym and get some shots up.”
The favorites to win the contest might be Golden State point guard Stephen Curry or Timberwolves forward/center Kevin Love. But don’t count out Irving.
The 6-foot-3, 193-pound Irving hopes to become the second Cavs’ player to win back-to-back crowns. Mark Price accomplished the feat in 1993 and 1994.
Cavs guard Dion Waiters is competing in the Rising Stars Challenge on Saturday.
The Cavs (20-33) head into the All-Star break riding a season-high four-game winning streak.
“It’s been fun,” Irving said. “This time we had a back-to-back, and we could have folded, especially at halftime. We trusted one another.
“Coach (Mike) Brown didn’t have to say much in our huddles. (Luol Deng) was talking, I was talking, Dion, Jarrett (Jack).”
The Cavs posted a 93-89, come-from-behind win over Detroit on Wednesday. They ouscored the Pistons in the second half, 53-38.
“They were up by 11 at halftime,” Irving said. “We had to continue to fight. We didn’t want to let the game get away from us.”
There’s a different atmosphere in the locker room now.
“Everyone in this locker room is playing for one another,” Irving said. “Good game, bad game, ugly game, we’re going to support each other. Winning four in a row is a big step. We’re going into All-Star weekend with some momentum.”

About the Author

Bob has covered the Cavs for The News-Herald and Morning Journal since 1995. He's a graduate of Kent State University and New Philadelphia High School. Reach the author at rfinnan@morningjournal.com
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